Animals in the wild don't have an affordable health care plan. Their survival is often by chance — whether they're narrowly escaping a predator, manmade invasions or quite simply the elements.
Tater was a victim of the latter. The juvenile Green Sea Turtle was found on Jacksonville Beach at the end of April, lethargic and covered in barnacles — most likely because of last season's prolonged winter.
[jump]He was delivered to The Florida Aquarium shortly after, where the vet staff has successfully rehabilitated him back to health.
Tater's recovery came with complications: A week into his rehab, he needed a blood transfusion as a result of a low red blood count. He then needed another transfusion one week later. Fortunately, Tater has recovered and is ready to swim the Atlantic again.
Congrats to the The Florida Aquarium’s Center for Conservation Team for their exhaustive efforts in saving Tater's life, and kudos to the Flip, donor turtle, a resident of the Florida Aquarium. Because of his donation, Tater is expected to live a long healthy life in the wild.
Tater's release is scheduled for today, close to the beach where he was found, on the East Coast of Florida, said Florida Aquarium spokesperson Katherine Claytor.